Paying for What You Already Own

Yesterday, I was grocery shopping for some nice summer produce. Growing up in endless-summer Miami, I've grown to enjoy these kinds of fruits as favorites. I took a look at the mangoes,  however, and decided to leave them on their shelves. Why? There's something about paying $1+ each for something I grew up having abundantly in my grandmother's backyard...for free. :)

Then I thought of how this illustrates something deep. We were made for SUCH a rich life, right? Yet so often we "pay" for what's already ours by sacrificing dignity, goals, etc. for what we don't realize we could have for free. Let's take, for example, romance. We all want love, and that's beautiful. But how many people give up things that are greatly worthwhile just for the sake of not being lonely? I'm not talking about giving up being selfish for the sake of welcoming someone into your life. I'm talking about not knowing your worth and thereby selling yourself short.

For instance, have you ever had a friend or acquaintance suddenly take an interest in you? Initially you never considered this person romantically, and possibly for good reason. But now that they like you, you're drawn to them powerfully. Then you end up with a sub-par relationship. I've definitely been there! The big rescue for me came when I realized that I am already worthwhile, and God sees me. I know it sounds nebulous, but knowing that God sees you and advocates you really heals your heart of feeling like no one hears your voice. It also gives you courage to seek people who treat you right and to say no to people who don't. It gives you courage to add your voice to the public and to change the world, which is empowering in all facets of life!

So don't tolerate the things that you know are not good. Not even the little things. Maybe it's not that you're with someone abusive, but you're simply with someone incompatible. Don't be like Mark Ruffalo's character in 13 Going On 30. Speaking of his bride to be, he says, "You don't always get the dream house, but you get awfully close..." No, you can have the dream house and then some! Don't let your desire for  love cost you the privilege of being yourself with someone who totally "gets" you or genuinely appreciates you!

Know that love, acceptance, hope, excitement, financial thriving, and every good thing are available to you! God loves you and has so many great things He wants to give you. If you don't know where to start, just ask Him! You can say, "God, what do you want for my life?" Whether you hear Him in your mind, through the next friend you talk to, or even through an ad on the subway, He will let you know! Enjoy your sweet adventure receiving what He's designated for YOU without having to sell your soul!